Current collaborations with health institutions

CUT is a pioneer of driving bottom-up change both locally and nationally through several strategic partnerships with NGOs and grassroots organisations regarding:

Education, e.g. co-development of an education program on Patient Triage with the Pancyprian Association of Nurses and Midwives.
Practice, e.g. policy advisory role of CUT academics regarding maternal and neonatal health, patient satisfaction, the General Healthcare System and the National Strategy for Mental Health.
Research, e.g. co-development of clinical protocols and co-founder of Cardiac patients’, Anticancer, Stroke, Atherosclerosis, Epidemiology and Public Health, and Psychologists Associations.
Outreach, e.g. partnership with the Ministry of Health to redesign School Health Services in the Post-Pandemic Era.

Globally, CUT is the national representative of the European Public Health Association, holds the presidency of the European Cancer Organisation and participates in the European Lifestyle Medicine Organisation.

Health outreach programmes

CUT actively engages in community outreach through open-lectures, seminars, workshops, and events, targeting both health professionals and the broader public. Collaborating with public sector entities (e.g. Ministry of Health, public hospitals), professional and patient associations (e.g. Nurses and Midwifes, Alzheimer’s), NGOs, and local schools, the University organises various activities. Highlights include a rheumatic disease awareness campaign in rural areas, mental health education for primary school students, and events on obesity, elder abuse screening, and equality in health. Additional initiatives address specific community needs, such as training professionals to combat female genital mutilation. Activities are regularly announced on the CUT news page.

Shared sports facilities

The University offers a variety of sports, wellness, and entertainment activities to all students and university members, with an annually updated program catering to both sports enthusiasts and beginners. Activities include running, sailing and wind- surfing, alpine skiing, nature exploration, paintball, rock climbing, bowling, and golf, aiming to introduce less common sports and promote well-being.

Sports facilities in Limassol and Paphos are free for students, staff, and their immediate family members, with charges only for excursions. The GSO sports center is also open to the general public for a fee during non-student hours, with easy online reservations. Local schools can also access the facilities free of charge during times when students are not present. Additionally, the gym in Paphos is available free of charge during specific off-peak times for the training of high-level athletes, based on an agreement signed with a basketball sports club and the Paphos Nautical Club.

Sexual and reproductive health care services for students

The Department of Nursing offers an MSc program in Midwifery and leads research in maternal, sexual, and reproductive health, working with government bodies and NGOs to impact national policy and community health programs. Key activities include:

Policy Influence: CUT participates in national committees to promote breastfeeding and reduce Caesarean sections, addressing key health issues in Cyprus.
Research: The RESPECT project focuses on improving maternity care quality through a national survey and participatory research, promoting “Respectful Maternity Care” based on
WHO standards.
Outreach: The Baby Buddy app, co-managed with Birth Forward, supports Cypriot pregnant women and new parents, with a global reach through YouTube.

CUT also promotes student sexual and reproductive health through workshops e.g. “SEX Talk” and “Healthy Relationships”, and offers practical support like a dedicated breastfeeding room, the first of its kind in Cyprus, to enhance maternal health rights.

Mental health support for students

The Center of Student Development provides mental health counselling and self-development services for enrolled students, addressing concerns such as relationship management, stress coping, time management, and sexual health education. The Center also offers HIV testing and psychoeducation on safe sex practices. For students requiring further psychological services, referrals are made to other mental health professionals via the national health system or private sector.

The Department of Nursing also launches several initiatives to promote mental health awareness and combat stigma. These include integrating Experts by Experience into the Mental Health Nursing curriculum, allowing students to learn directly from those with lived experiences of mental health challenges. Additionally, the university organises public awareness campaigns and partners with NGOs like Antifon to conduct research, co-host events, and educate both students and healthcare professionals on mental health issues.

Smoke-free policy

CUT is firmly committed to maintaining a smoke-free environment and ensuring a safe and healthy atmosphere for everyone on campus. In compliance with the provisions of the relevant National and European Laws, the University has established and implements a written no- smoking policy across all its building facilities. This policy is based on the principle that staff, students, and third parties who do not smoke or do not wish to be exposed to smoke are protected from the harmful effects of smoking.

Mental health support for staff

CUT in collaboration with the Department of Nursing launches a number of innovative activities targeting the wider university community, including academic and administration staff, with the aim of addressing mental health stigma and raising awareness on the importance of mental well-being. In 2023, key initiatives include:

Speed Dating with an Expert: A session where participants could engage with mental health professionals (from within and outside CUT) to discuss mental health issues, ask questions, and dispel myths.
Film Screening: A public viewing of A Sofa in Tunisia for World Mental Health Day, followed by a discussion on mental health stigma with students and staff.
Conference on Psychotherapeutic Arts: A one-day event featuring seminars and workshops, where participants expressed emotions through painting, exploring the psychotherapeutic impact of art.

These activities aimed to foster open communication about mental health and provide a platform for the university community to engage in mental health promotion.